Check Out Our 2026 Calendar!
Annual Lender's Appreciation Event
In appreciation of your valued partnership, the Valley Partners team warmly invites you to our Annual Lender Appreciation Event! Join us for a late-afternoon celebration as we recognize the lending partner who made the biggest impact with us last year. Together, we’ll honor outstanding collaboration in Economic Development (ED), Small Business Administration (SBA) lending, and overall loan referrals.
This event is our way of saying thank you for your partnership and support. Your collaboration plays a vital role in helping us advance our mission to diversify the economy and create meaningful, positive change in our community. We truly couldn’t do this work without you, and we can’t wait to celebrate our continued partnership!
Reserve your spot by visiting tinyurl.com/vplenders2026 by Monday, February 23, 2026.
List of Services
-
2026 Lunch-and-Learn Seminars
Mark your calenders! The Business Resource Center at Valley Partners is hosting monthly educational seminars to help you elevate your small business. Check out the topics to be discussed below, and register early to secure your spot!
-
Business Credit 101: How to Build Credit That Banks Respect
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
4319 Belmont Ave
Youngstown, OH 44505
1 pm - 2:15 pm
Understanding credit is key to growing a successful business. In this lunch-and-learn seminar, you’ll learn the differences between personal and business credit and how lenders evaluate applications. The session will also cover actionable steps to build and maintain strong business credit profiles. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your financial profile, this seminar offers valuable insights! Click to register.
-
Understanding Small Business Loans: SBA 504, CDFI Loans & Microloans Explained
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
305 Wick Ave
Youngstown, OH 44503
1 pm - 3 pm
Walk through every funding option available for entrepreneurs. Learn what lenders look for and how to become loan-ready.
-
Entrepreneurship Seminar: So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
LOCATION: TBD
1 pm - 3 pm
A step-by-step guide to turning an idea into a real business. Covers mindset, business models, legal formation, startup costs, funding options, and resources available through Valley Partners.
-
Grant Writing for Beginners: What Small Businesses & Nonprofits Need to Know; How to start a nonprofit; Nonprofit fundraising strategy
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
305 Wick Ave
Youngstown, OH 44503
9 am - Noon
Break down grant readiness, budgets, outcomes, and common myths. Learn how to determine whether a grant is a good fit and how to write a compelling narrative.
-
Pricing Your Products & Services the Right Way
Thursday, September 17, 2026
4319 Belmont Ave
Youngstown, OH 44505
1 pm - 2:15 pm
Break down COGS, margins, competitive pricing, and psychological pricing. Includes a pricing calculator template.
-
Scaling Your Business: Systems, Hiring & Operational Efficiency
Thursday, October 15, 2026
LOCATION: TBD
1 pm - 2:15 pm
How to grow responsibly. Covers SOPs, HR basics, hiring processes, workflow systems, and creating operational discipline.
-
Year-End Financial Checkup for Entrepreneurs
Friday, December 4th, 2026
4319 Belmont Ave
Youngstown, OH
1 pm - 2:15 pm
Prepare for tax season and plan for 2027. Learn what documents to organize, how to close your books, and how to strategically plan for the new year.
